Type Advisory Opinion 
Date 12/10/1996 
Number 96-13 
Topic Gifts - Complimentary Admission - Lobbyists - Inaugural Ball 
Respondent  
Issue/Question
SeaFirst was the corporate underwriter for the Inaugural Dinner and its contribution goes directly to the Inaugural Committee, a group of local citizens who issue invitations to Supreme Court Justices, legislative leaders and state-wide elected officials.
Summary
The value of food and beverage is presumed not to be a gift, RCW 42.52.150(2)(f)(g).  Complimentary admission from a lobbyist or lobbyist-employer could violate the "reasonable expectation" standard of RCW 42.52.140 but in this case the civic/community organization is the source of the invitation and determines who will attend.
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